Premiere 5.1 Audio Set Up To By Pass Sony NSZ-GT1?

I have Denon AVR-2801CI receiver and connect with Sony NSZ-GT1-Premier-Denon-TV. Connect all with HDMI
Been reading that going through Sony Google TV you will not get best video quality.
Only have 3 HDMI slots on Denon. Using PS3 on other slot.
Wondering if leave connection as is and connect audio digital out from Premier to Denon (optical cable), if that will play audio by passing the Sony Google TV?
Does this make sense and will it work?
Thanks.
PS-Optical connection better sound quality than HDMI?